ICAR-CIRCOT organises “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” in Sangli District, Maharashtra

The ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (ICAR-CIRCOT), Mumbai, organized an extensive awareness campaign from June 1–30, 2026, under the "Khet Bachao Abhiyan" initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. As part of this initiative, two teams from the Institute conducted field campaigns during June 15 to 19, 2026, covering 34 villages across the Kadegaon, Tasgaon, and Jath tehsils in the Sangli district of Maharashtra.

The campaign primarily focused on educating farmers about improving soil health, reducing the excessive use of chemical inputs, and adopting recommended fertilizer doses based on soil health cards. It also advocated for supplementing chemical fertilizers with organic inputs and adopting natural farming practices for sustainable agriculture.

During the field visits, the teams interacted extensively with farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Key discussions centered around the importance of soil testing, improving nutrient-use efficiency, applying bio-fertilizers, and implementing efficient water and resource management practices. The campaign saw enthusiastic participation from approximately 887 farmers, including 120 women farmers, with several participants sharing their personal experiences using indigenous organic inputs to protect soil health.

The initiative was successfully implemented with the active support of the BV College of Horticulture (Kadegaon) and CIRCOT RABI Agri Start-ups, including M/s. Riga Industries, M/s. One Stop Solution, and M/s. Pimani Udyog Industries. Officials from ATMA, the State Agricultural Department, Farmers Interest Groups, and the Pani Foundation also extended their support. The ICAR-CIRCOT organizing team comprised Dr. Sundaramoorthy C., Dr. G.T.V. Prabu, Sh. Manoj Ambare, Sh. Anand Jadav, and Sh. Ketan Mane.